Filter assembly mounted in sink counter top

ABSTRACT

A combination faucet assembly and filter assembly is provided wherein these respective assemblies are interconnected in a side-by-side relationship by pipes preferably located in a common housing structure. The combination is adapted for use in association with a kitchen sink or the like. The faucet assembly incorporates a valve for mixing hot and cold tap water and for diverting cold tap water for passage through a filter in the filter assembly. A spout is preferably associated with the faucet assembly. A pivotable faucet lever is preferably associated with the faucet assembly. The lever has a universal type of movement capability and is manipulated by an operator to accomplish regulating of either such mixing or such diverting, and also the regulating of water volume issuing from the spout. Preferably, in mixing hot and cold water in an operator selected ratio are fed to a mixing chamber adjacent the valve before dispensing of the resulting water mixture from a spout. Preferably, in diverting, the faucet lever is moved downward below the normal off position whereby cold water is diverted from the faucet assembly, passes through the filter, returns to the faucet assembly and exits through the spout. Preferably, the filter is in a cartridge form that is insertable into and removable from the filter assembly through the top thereof. Preferably the spout has one channel for mixed water and another channel for filtered water.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a division of U.S. Ser. No. 08/774,735 filed Jan. 2,1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,938 issued Nov. 16. 1999.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention lies in the field of combined faucet and filterassemblies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Assemblies for filtering tap water wherein a water filter is arranged inthe input pipe to a faucet are well known, as are arrangements where,for example, a faucet (a) is exteriorly connected to a filter, (b)incorporates a four-way valve including a filter by-pass, or (c)incorporates an on-off valve for a filter that is connected in the linefor the cold water supply.

Prior art arrangements of faucets and filters appear to suffer fromcommon disadvantages such as (a) they are relatively inconvenient toinstall, use and maintain, or (b) they require additional space(especially countertop space) beyond that required for a faucet alone,or (c) they interfere with the generally accepted appearance andfunction of a faucet structure. Also, special piping configurations andsink installation procedures are commonly required. Further, to replacea filter in such an arrangement, as is periodically necessary, it istypically required to use a cumbersome procedure that commonly involvestool usage, shutting off the line water, preliminarily somehow gettingunder or behind the associated sink, disassembly of various components,filter installation, component reassembly, etc. The difficulties, costsand problems that are associated with prior art arrangements of faucetand filters have tended to limit their sale, use and maintenance.

An added complication arises out of the circumstance that hot tap waterand sometimes even warm tap water, cannot be subjected to filtrationusing conventional filter media without damaging such media and/orleaching out into the water being filtered components of the filtermedia, thereby injuring filtered water potability. Therefore, only coldtap water (that is, tap water from a cold tap water input line) shouldbe employed for pre-drinking filtration.

In many regions, the quality of tap water continues to slowlydeteriorate over time so that there is a progressively increasing needto filter tap water intended for human consumption. The art needs a new,useful and practical combination of faucet and filter that is simple touse, easy to install and maintain, and reliable.

The present invention fulfills this need and overcomes theabove-indicated disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention relates to a new and very useful functionaland coacting interconnected combination of faucet assembly and filterassembly that is capable of dispensing either a mixture of cold and hottap water or cold filtered tap water.

So far as now known, such a combination has not heretofore been known,particularly a combination where the same valve means that is used foradjustably mixing hot and cold tap water for dispensing through a spoutmeans is also used to divert cold tap water for filtration beforedispensing.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a new and very useful faucetassembly that is suitable for use in the combination or elsewhere. Thisfaucet assembly incorporates valve means which functions in either oneof two operating modes. In one operating mode, the valve means functionsto deliver hot, cold or mixed hot and cold supplied tap water to anassociated spout arm means. In a second operating mode, the valve meansfunctions to divert only cold supplied tap water to an associateddiverting conduit means. Preferably, the valve means is an integrated,composite valve structure which is actuated and controlled by a singlefaucet-associated valve regulator means whose position determines in theone operating mode water flow rate and temperature of the delivered tapwater and whose position in the second operating mode determines coldfiltered tap water flow rate. The associated spout arm means preferablyincorporates two separate spout means, one for tap water and the otherfor diverted, processed (i.e., filtered) and returned water, each spoutmeans being preferably located at or near the outer terminal portion ofthe spout arm means.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a new and very useful filterassembly that is suitable for use in the combination or elsewhere. Thefilter assembly incorporates a unitary filter housing structure having aremovable cap means at one end thereof. When the cap means is removed, afilter cartridge is easily and simply installed in the housingstructure. Various types of interchangeable filter cartridges can beemployed in the filter housing, if desired, depending upon userpreferences, use conditions, filter availability and like factors;however, a presently preferred filter cartridge structure is provided.The filter assembly includes input conduit means for connection thereofwith the diverting conduit of a cooperating faucet assembly. The filterassembly is adapted to receive diverted cold water from the faucetassembly, to filter this water and to deliver the filtered water fordispensing. Preferably, the filter assembly is also associated withoutput conduit means adapted to deliver filtered water therefrom back tothe faucet assembly for dispensing from the faucet assembly.

The filter assembly and the faucet assembly coact in the inventivecombination and are preferably located in laterally adjacentrelationship to one another. Preferably, the faucet assembly and thefilter assembly in the combination are both associatable with a sink orbasin back deck or the like. Preferably, the combination of the filterassembly and the faucet assembly includes a common housing structure andthe whole combination is preferably locatable centrally on and/or in theback deck or the like of a sink, basin or the like. The common housingstructure preferably functionally interconnects the filter assembly andthe faucet assembly. Preferably, the common housing structure aids inassociating the combination with a sink back deck or the like.Preferably, the common housing structure includes interconnectingconduit means that connect the filter assembly with the faucet assemblyso that cold tap water that is diverted from the faucet assembly passesthrough the filter assembly and, preferably, is then delivered back tothe faucet assembly. Preferably, filtered water delivered back to thefaucet assembly exits through the faucet assembly's associated spoutmeans. However, if desired, a separate dispensing spout, a separatefaucet-type dispensing valve, or the like can be associated with thefilter assembly so that filtered water can be discharged, if desired,from the vicinity of the filter assembly.

The combination including the faucet assembly, the filter assembly andthe common housing structure is preferably configured and adapted forassociation with existing standardized apertures formed in a sink backdeck, thereby permitting the combination to be used with a conventionalkitchen or lavatory or other type of sink, thereby preferably avoidingor minimizing a need for alterations in an existing sink back deck or inthe preformed apertures existing in a sink back deck.

The combination of faucet assembly and filter assembly provided by thisinvention is inventive and replaces and avoids any need for thecumbersome and problematic arrangements of faucets and filters that arecommon in the prior art.

The inventive combination of faucet assembly and filter assembly isversatile and adapted for use in a wide variety of sink-associatedapplications both where filtered and unfiltered tap water are needed ordesired from sink-associated spout means, and also where variousmixtures of hot and cold tap water are to be dispensed. Preferably boththe admixed hot and cold tap water and the filtered cold tap water aredispensed from sink-associated spout arm means.

Various valve structures can be employed in the faucet assembly, asthose skilled in the art will appreciate. Preferably, the presentlyprovided new faucet assembly includes a faucet body means and anassociated new valve structure which is capable of receiving hot andcold tap water from conventional respective supply lines. Preferably,the valve structure is in cartridge form. Also, preferably, the valvestructure is capable of operating alternatively in either one of twodifferent modes. In one mode of valve structure operation, user-selectedand controlled predetermined amounts of hot water and/or cold water areadmitted, admixed (if both hot and cold water are being admitted), andthen delivered to an associated tap water spout means. In another modeof valve structure operation, user-selected and controlled predeterminedamounts of cold water are passed in the faucet assembly to an associateddiverting conduit which is adapted to deliver this water to a filterassembly (or other location).

After water filtration in the filter assembly, the resulting filteredwater is optionally but preferably returned to the faucet assemblythrough another associated delivering conduit and is preferably passedto a filtered water spout means associated with the faucet assembly. Atap water spout means, if desired, can be separate from the filteredwater spout means (preferred), or these respective spout means can becombined into a single spout means, if desired. If desired, the tapwater spout means can be associated with a spout arm that is separatefrom the spout arm that is associated with the filtered water spoutmeans.

Preferably, the valve structure employs two stacked, preferably ceramicdisks. The disks each have respective defined perimeter and surfaceconfigurations and defined apertures. One of the disks is laterallyslidably and controllably movable relative to the other in presetpatterns to predetermined positions by an exterior user-actuated andcontrolled valve regulator means, such as an actuator arm, lever meansor the like. The various relative positions achievable between the disksdetermine at any given time such variables as (a) whether or not hot tapwater, cold tap water or a predetermined mixture thereof is admittedinto, and passed through the valve structure for dispensing from spoutmeans, and (b) whether or not cold tap water is diverted from the valvestructure for passage to a filter assembly for filtering beforedispensing from spout means.

Preferably, in the inventive combination of faucet assembly and filterassembly, the faucet assembly is provided with an elongated spout armthat is associated with the faucet body means and that is pivotablehorizontally about a generally vertical axis when in the installedconfiguration at a sink. The spout arm includes duct means and terminalspout means. The spout arm can have various structures andconfigurations. Preferably, the spout arm houses a first duct means thatlongitudinally extends in the spout arm and that terminates at the spoutarm outer or distal end in a tap water spout. This spout may be, ifdesired, terminally equipable with a conventional aerator. Preferably,and in addition, this spout arm also houses a second duct means thatalso longitudinally extends in the spout arm and that preferablyterminates at a distal end-adjacent spout arm location in a filteredwater spout. The filtered water spout is preferably located inlongitudinally spaced but adjacent relationship to the tap water spout.For user convenience, ease of use and to enable easy filling of acontainer with filtered water, the filtered water spout is preferablyadapted for dispensing a filtered water stream at an angle whichconverges with the flow path of the water stream from the tap waterspout. Such a spout configuration also enables a user to determinereadily that filtered water is being dispensed.

Preferably, the spout arm is fixed to a sleeve at its inner or proximalend, and preferably the sleeve is pivotably located about the faucetbody means preferably adjacent to but below the valve structure.Passageway(s) defined preferably in the sleeve are aligned with ductmeans in the spout arm and are adapted for receipt of water from amanifold in the faucet body means for spout dispensing.

Preferably, a single faucet actuator arm means is employed in apresently preferred faucet assembly and this arm means comprises anelongated actuating lever that has a unique type of pivotable movementcapability. The preferred lever has the capability for a universal typeof pivotable movement, and can be positioned at various user-selectedand distinct locations. One class of locations results in the dispensingof filtered water only. Another class of locations results in thedispensing of hot, cold or mixed hot and cold tap water. Thus, a usercan pivotably position the lever with one hand and thereby not onlyregulate and select the temperature and quantity of mixed hot and coldtap water issuing from an associated spout, but also thereby regulateand select the quantity of cold filtered water produced.

Various filter assemblies can be employed. Preferably, the presentlyprovided new filter assembly incorporates a new and improved filterhousing structure that includes a coacting case (or housing body) andcap that is adapted for use in combination with a replaceable filtercartridge or the like. The filter housing structure can be, andpreferably is, mounted through (and in) a receiving aperture defined ina sink wall portion, preferably a portion located in the back deck areaof a sink, basin or the like. Preferably, lower portions of the filterhousing body or case, as the housing structure is mounted, are locatedmainly below the sink back deck and behind the sink basin so as to be ina space that was heretofore commonly unused. Concurrently, the upper endportions of the housing case extend upwardly from the adjacent sinkportions and are provided with a removably associatable cap that isaccessible from the upper or outer surface of the sink. Preferably, thiscap is manually operated, a present most preferred arrangement being forthis cap to be threadably and sealingly engagable with a top portion ofthe housing case and to be a closure that covers an upper end mouthdefined in the top portion.

When the housing case is so mounted, and the cap is removed therefrom, afilter cartridge that is matingly associatable with the interior of thehousing case can be inserted into and can be removed from the housingcase. Thus, the filter cartridge can be changed by a user from above theexterior or upper surface of the sink. Preferably, a filter cartridge ismanually deposited into and removed from the housing case while the capis separated from the case mouth. Thus, a filter cartridge is easily andconveniently exchangeable through the mouth of the housing structurewithout the need for any tools or time-consuming procedure. Variousfilter cartridges can be used, but the present invention provides a newand improved filter cartridge structure which is adapted to becooperatively associated with a filter housing structure of thisinvention.

The inventive filter assembly is preferably adaptable for internalassociation with the inventive faucet assembly in an embodiment of acombination assembly of this invention. This combination is preferablyadapted to eliminate the need for any special plumbing beyond theconventional existing hot and cold tap water supply pipes (or conduits)for a kitchen sink. Conveniently and preferably, in such a combination,the filter assembly and the faucet assembly are associated together witha common housing means which is characterized by the feature that thefilter assembly and the faucet assembly are preferably preliminarilyfunctionally interconnected (or “pre-plumbed”) before installation ofsuch combination assembly at a sink or the like.

Conveniently and preferably in such a combination assembly, the faucetassembly employs a valve structure such that all fluid (such as water)flow controls thereof are substantially associated in one unit,preferably a cartridge type of arrangement. Various structures and/orconfigurations can be employed in a valve cartridge, but the presentinvention provides an improved valve cartridge structure whichincorporates the inventive composite valve means with two stacked disksand which is adapted to be cooperatively associated with a valve bodymeans of this invention.

Conveniently and preferably, movement of a valve assembly actuator armmeans or the like controls fluid flow in the whole combination.Preferably, the valve assembly actuator arm means comprises a singlelever although two lever arrangements can be employed, if desired.

In a preferred common housing structure, conduit or channel means extendbetween the faucet assembly and the filter assembly. Preferably thecommon housing structure includes an elongated shroud that extends overexterior upper and outer surface portions thereof. Preferably the commonhousing structure is adapted to rest upon and be secured to the backdeck of an associated sink or basin.

The filter assembly incorporates a housing case that is preferablyelongated, and adapted to be vertically oriented, when the inventivecombination of faucet assembly and filter assembly is in its installedconfiguration in association with a sink. The filter assembly housingcase is preferably generally cylindrically configured. Preferably, theaccess cover or housing cap at the upper end of the housing case is,when fully associated with the filter assembly, vertically adjacent to,but above, a shroud (or other adjacent combination component) of thecommon housing structure.

Alternatively, the filter assembly can incorporate a housing case thatis preferably elongated, and adapted to be horizontally oriented.Preferably the housing case located above the associated sink, but ispreferably completely covered by a common housing shroud when theinventive combination of faucet assembly and filter assembly is in itsinstalled configuration in association with a sink. In this case,preferably the access cover or housing cap of the housing case is, whenfully associated with the filter assembly, horizontally adjacent to theshroud.

If desired, the faucet assembly, the filter assembly and theinterconnecting common housing structure can each include various othercomponents as those skilled in the art will readily appreciate. Forexample, and preferably at a location in the common housing structurethat is opposite to that where the filter assembly is located, a sprayerconnector is preferably provided that is functionally associated withthe faucet assembly. This sprayer connector is conventionallyconnectable with a conventional retractable spray hose so that mixed hotand cold water (or, if desired by a user, all hot or all cold water)from the faucet assembly can be fed into such hose instead of beingdischarged from the faucet assembly spout means.

The inventive faucet assembly and the inventive filter assembly can eachbe employed in other combinations independently of one another; forexample, in other integrated combinations of a faucet assembly and afilter assembly, if desired.

Various other configurations, features, objects, aims, advantages, andthe like that are associated with this invention will be apparent tothose skilled in the art from the present specification, accompanyingdrawings and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a partially diagrammatic perspective view of one embodiment ofthe inventive combination of faucet assembly and filter assembly, thisembodiment being illustratively shown in an installed and operativeassociation with an exemplary (fragmentarily shown) sink;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal, medial, vertical fragmentary sectional viewthrough the faucet assembly embodiment of the combination shown in FIG.1 showing the spout arm turned 90° relative to its position in FIG. 1and with the structure of the valve cartridge omitted;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary right side (relative to the sink front)elevational view of the faucet assembly of FIG. 2 with the faucet lever,the spout arm and the shroud removed, with some parts thereof beingbroken away, and with some parts thereof being shown in section, thisview illustrating lower portions of the faucet assembly;

FIG. 4 is similar to in FIG. 3 except that the faucet assembly isrotated clockwise by 90 degrees;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged detailed fragmentary sectional view showing themanifold and valve cartridge assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the manifold employed in the faucetassembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of this manifold;

FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line VIII—VIII ofFIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line IX—IX of FIG.7;

FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line X—X of FIG. 7;

FIGS. 11A and 11B progressively show an exploded perspective view of thevalve cartridge employed in the faucet assembly of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 12A-12H each show a bottom plan view of a different component ofthe valve cartridge shown in FIGS. 5 and 11A and 11B wherein:

FIG. 12A is the base cap;

FIG. 12B is the case;

FIG. 12C is the fixed valve disk;

FIG. 12D is the movable valve disk;

FIG. 12E is the guide plate;

FIG. 12F is the inner lever block;

FIG. 12G is the outer lever block; and

FIG. 12H is the valve lever;

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal medial vertical sectional view through the(assembled) valve cartridge of FIGS. 11A and 11B;

FIG. 14A shows a top plan view of the assembled valve cartridge of FIGS.11A, 11B and 13, and the companion FIG. 14B shows a corresponding bottomplan view of this assembled valve cartridge, these views each showingsuch assembled valve cartridge in the valve closed position (with someassociated components that are present in the assembled faucet assemblyshown in FIGS. 1 and 2 being removed, and with some components andcomponent features of FIG. 14B being shown in phantom anddiagrammatically);

FIGS. 15A and 15B correspond to FIGS. 14A and 14B, respectively, butthese views each showing such valve cartridge in a valve open positionfor water filtering and dispensing;

FIGS. 16A and 16B correspond to FIGS. 11A and 11B, respectively, butthese views each showing such valve cartridge in a valve open positionfor cold and hot tap water mixing and dispensing;

FIGS. 17A and 17B correspond to FIGS. 11A and 11B, respectively, butthese views each showing such valve cartridge in a valve open positionfor cold tap water dispensing;

FIGS. 18A and 18B correspond to FIGS. 11A and 11B, respectively, butthese views each showing such valve cartridge in a valve open positionfor hot tap water dispensing;

FIG. 19 is a partially diagrammatic side elevational view of the upperportion of the faucet assembly shown in FIG. 1, this view illustratingvarious vertical positions assumable by the pivotable faucet lever whenfunctionally associated with the (assembled) valve cartridge of FIGS.11A, 11B and 13;

FIG. 20 is a partially diagrammatic fragmentary top plan view of thecombination shown in FIG. 1 with some parts thereof being shown inphantom and with upper portions of the faucet assembly not being shown;

FIG. 21 is a longitudinal, medial, vertical fragmentary sectional viewthrough the filter assembly embodiment in the combination shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged detailed fragmentary vertical sectional view ofthe upper portion of the filter assembly shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a right side (relative to the sink front) elevational view ofthe filter assembly of FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the filter assembly of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a longitudinal medial vertical sectional view through thefilter cartridge that is functionally associatable with the filterassembly of FIG. 21;

FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of the (conventional) sprayerassembly that is functionally associated with the (fragmentarily shown)combination of FIG. 1, some parts thereof being broken away and someparts thereof being shown in fragmentary section;

FIG. 27 is a (front) side elevational view of an alternative embodimentof an inventive combination of a faucet assembly and a filter assembly,some parts thereof being broken away, this embodiment beingillustratively shown in an installed and operative association with anexemplary (fragmentarily shown) sink;

FIG. 28 is a partially schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment ofa faucet and filter combination of the invention which employs analternative filter assembly to that shown in FIGS. 21-25;

FIG. 29 is a view showing in schematic form an alternative embodiment ofan inventive filter faucet combination which employs a filter assemblyof FIGS. 21-25, and where the filtered water is directly output to anassociated but separated spout;

FIG. 30 is a view similar to FIG. 29, but showing another alternativeinventive filter faucet combination;

FIG. 31 is a view similar to FIG. 29, but showing another alternativeinventive filter faucet combination and filter assembly; and

FIG. 32 is a view similar to FIG. 29 but showing another alternativeinventive filter faucet combination.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, there is seen an embodiment 20 of a combination ofa faucet assembly 21 and a filter assembly 22 of the present invention(sometimes herein referred to for convenience as the filter faucetcombination 20). The combination 20 includes an interconnective commonhousing structure 19 that interconnects the faucet assembly 21 and thefilter assembly 22, that functions in associating the combination 20with the back deck 34 of a sink 36, and that has defined thereininterconnecting channel means (as described below).

As shown in, for example, FIGS. 2-4, the faucet assembly 21 ispreferably comprised of cast, molded, and or machined metal or plastic(the latter now preferred) components. A presently most preferredplastic is “Amodel,” a trademark of The Amoco Corporation for a brand ofsynthetic resins containing polymers and copolymers of polyamides andtheir derivatives.

Faucet assembly 21 can be considered to incorporate a lower body portion23 (see FIG. 3). The lower faucet body portion 23 includes cold and hottap water input pipes 24 and 25, respectively, and a sprayer pipe 26(see FIG. 1 or FIG. 5, for example). The lower faucet body 23 ispreferably and as shown extendable through a preformed aperture 35 (seeFIG. 2) in the back deck 34 of the sink 36 until abutment of bottomsurface portions of the common housing structure 19 with the deck 34occurs. A hot tap water supply line (not shown but conventional) isconnected to hot tap water input pipe 25 and a cold water supply line(not shown but conventional) is connected to cold tap water input pipe24 (by threaded fittings or the like).

Sprayer pipe 26 is preferably (and as shown) threaded on the outside soas to threadably engage matingly a preferably (and as shown) elongatedretainer nut 28. A retainer plate 29 slidably engages over sprayer pipe26 and is placed between the bottom side of the sink deck 34 and theretainer nut 28. Tightening of retainer nut 28 presses retainer plate 29against the sink deck 34 and thereby clamps the common housing structure19 and associated components against the upper surface of deck 34.Optionally, and as shown, pipe 26 can be provided with a terminal locknut 31 that is longitudinally adjacent to and below nut 28. The filterfaucet combination 20 is thus positioned firmly in place relative tosink deck 34. Various means can be employed to connect a combination 20with a sink 36 as those skilled in the art will appreciate.

The faucet assembly 21 can be considered to incorporate a mid-bodyportion 45 (see FIG. 3) with which the lower body portion 23 integrallyconnects. Mid-body portion 45 includes a generally cylindrical andcross-sectionally circularly configured and preferably unitarily formedmanifold 40 (see FIGS. 6-10) which is comprised preferably of cast,molded, and/or machined metal or plastic (the latter now preferred). Themanifold 40 is provided on its lower face (see FIG. 6) with the openings291 and 292 of each of a pair of internally and longitudinally extendingchannels 41 and 42, respectively, that sealingly interconnect (bythreads, adhesive or the like) with water input pipes 24 and 25,respectively. Thus, hot and cold water entering in respective pipes 25and 24 can pass upwardly through connected respective channels 42 and 41into what can be considered to comprise the upper body portion 47 of thefaucet assembly 21 (see FIG. 3). The upper body portion 47 integrallyconnects with the mid-body portion 45 and the upper body portion 47includes a valve cartridge 300.

In the common housing structure 19, a pair of horizontally extending,water conveying pipes 69 and 87 are provided that extend in generallyspaced, parallel relationship to one another. Pipe 69 serves to convey(or divert) water from the valve cartridge 300 to the filter assembly22, and, for that purpose, its distal (output) end connects sealingly toa lower port 74 defined in filter cartridge housing 71 (see FIG. 23, forexample), and its proximal (input) end connects sealingly to an outputchannel 44 via opening 294, both of which are defined in manifold 40(see, for example, FIG. 3). Pipe 87 serves to return (or deliver) waterback from a sealingly connected output port 75 in the filter assembly 22to a sealingly interconnected input port 295 in the manifold 40. Port295 joins channel 83 in manifold 40 (see, for example, FIGS. 4, 6 and10).

Circumferentially extending channels 82 and 83 are defined in axiallyspaced, adjacent relationship to one another in outer cylindricalsurface portions of manifold 40 and extend circumferentially aroundmanifold 40 (see FIGS. 3-5). Channels 82 and 83 are maintained in fluidtight relationship with respect to each other. Thus, manifold 40 iscircumscribed by a sleeve 81 (see FIGS. 2 and 5). The respective upperand lower side walls of channels 82 and 83 respectively are defined byflange-like portions 91, 92 and 93 (see FIG. 5) defined in adjacentouter circumferential portions of manifold 40. Each such portion 91, 92and 93 has an O-ring receiving groove 94, 95 and 96, respectively (seeFIG. 5), defined circumferentially therein into each which an O-ring 66is positioned. These O-rings 66 each sealingly but slidably engageinside surface portions of sleeve 81.

Sleeve 81 is connected functionally in one portion thereof to theproximal end of a radially outwardly extending spout arm 53. Preferably,sleeve 81 and spout arm 53 are of integral one piece molded and machinedconstruction. Thus, arm 53 is pivotable with sleeve 81 about the axis ofthe manifold 40. The distal end of spout arm 53 is provided with apreferably downwardly opening terminal tap water aperture or spout 56that is conveniently, conventionally, and preferably terminallyassociated with a conventional aerator 57. An exterior shell 88 (seeFIG. 5, for example) is preferably and as shown included. Shell 88 isadapted to extend over and around exterior outer surface portions ofsleeve 81 and spout arm 53. Shell 88 can be conventionally comprised ofmetal or plastic and usually has the exterior appearance of polishedchrome.

Spout arm 53 is provided with a pair of internal ducts 64 and 65 (seeFIGS. 2 and 5 for example) that longitudinally extend therein. Duct 64communicates with the spout 56 at the distal end thereof, and extendsthrough a bore 86 in sleeve 81 to connect with channel 82 at theproximal end of spout arm 53. Duct 65 communicates at the distal endthereof with filtered water spout or aperture 67 in spout arm 53. Spout67 is located terminally in spout arm 53 in inwardly spaced adjacentrelationship to spout 56. Spout 67 is also conveniently, conventionally,and preferably terminally associated with a conventional aerator 57. Theproximal end of duct 65 communicates with channel 83 through a bore 89in sleeve 81. In the combination 20, input tap water (whether mixed hotand cold, or either hot or cold) exits through spout 56 while filteredwater exits through spout 67, depending upon the position of theelongated faucet handle lever arm 51, as described herein.

As shown, for example, in FIGS. 11A and 11B and in FIGS. 12A-12C, thevalve cartridge 300 is here oblong in transverse cross-sectionalconfiguration. The assembled valve cartridge 300 is mounted with a pairof conventional screws 401 such that each screw 401 extends through adifferent respective longitudinal bolt channel 195 (pair) in an ear 194formed integrally on opposing sides of the case 380 of valve cartridge300 (see, for example, FIG. 12B) and threadably engages matingly one ofa pair of sockets 196 on each opposite side of manifold 40 (see, forexample, FIG. 7). A preformed adapter ring 85 provides a peripheralsmooth connecting junction between the top of cross-sectionally circularmanifold 40 and the base of cross-sectionally oblong cartridge 300 andserves to convert the circular configuration of manifold 40 into theoblong configuration of cartridge 300.

Valve cartridge 300 in the assembled faucet assembly 21 has its sidewalls and peripheral portions of its top covered by a preformed valvecover 84 (see FIG. 5) whose lower edge portions contact upper edgeportions of adapter 85. On the top of the valve cartridge 300, adome-configured cap 54 is positioned. Beneath the cap 54 and over thevalve cartridge 300 and also peripheral portions of the cap 84, a headchamber 43 is defined. The head chamber 43 contains the interconnectivemechanism 365 between the valve component assembly in valve cartridge300 and the elongated faucet handle lever arm 51. The head chamber 43 isdefined under the cross-sectionally generally circularly configured domecap 54 and above top portions of the valve cartridge 300. A snap ringconnection 55 is provided between a top peripheral portion of valvecover 84 and a bottom peripheral portion of dome cap 54, therebyproviding a close fitting junction between cap 54 and cover 84.

An opening 59 is defined in a top portion of dome cap 54 which allowsfor a direct connection of the distal end region of valve lever 370 ofthe cartridge 300 with the elongated faucet handle lever arm 51 by meansof a retainer bolt 52. The proximal end of the lever arm 51 is providedwith a preferably integrally associated (by molding or the like) cover58 whose down-turned circumferential rim is in adjacent but closelyspaced relationship to exterior surface portions of dome cap 54. The soconnected proximal end of the lever arm 51 with cover 58 preferablycompletely covers the opening in dome cap 54 at any position in which itcan be placed through manual movement of the lever arm 51.

Thus, an operator (or user) of the combination 20 can manually move theouter or distal end of lever arm 51 through a pivotable and rotational(left to right or vice versa) path and through a vertical (up and downor vice versa) path. The lever arm 51 distal end position along therotational path regulates water temperature and the vertical pathregulates water flow. The limits of arm 51 movement are preset for agiven faucet by mechanical barriers or stops. Thus, the rotational pathhas one barrier on each opposite side which is achieved throughcontacting of barrier keys 387 by ears 367 on outer block 360 (see, forexample, FIGS. 17A and 18A). The vertical path has three barriers asdescribed herein. In what can be considered to be the normal lever arm51 position, which allows dispensing of hot, cold or admixed hot andcold water, the lever arm 51 can be moved arcuately between the twoopposite side barriers of the rotational path, and between the twosuccessive uppermost barriers of the vertical path. The upper one ofthese two vertical barriers is fixed, but the lower one of these twovertical barriers is only a so-called soft barrier, which can beovercome through user-applied additional downward pressure on lever arm51. Once the lever arm 51 is pivotably moved downward past this softbarrier, it can not be moved sideways, but only vertically downwards,until the lever arm 51 reaches or abuts against a final fixed barrier.In this lower portion of the vertical path that extends between the softbarrier and the final barrier, cold water only is diverted by valvecartridge 300 to the filter assembly 22, filtered therein, and returnedfrom there to the spout 67 on spout arm 53.

Between the opposite side barriers and the vertical barriers, variouspossible positions for lever arm 51 can be chosen for a given embodimentof a faucet assembly so that the lever arm 51 can be considered to beinfinitely adjustable between zonal end barriers. However, in thepresently preferred form of combination 20, and of faucet assembly 21,the preferred positions of faucet lever arm 51 are such that:

When the lever arm 51 outer (or distal) end is placed approximatelyperpendicularly relative to faucet assembly 21 in about a 0° forwardorientation with regard to its rotational path (i.e. so as to extendover the associated sink 36), and so is located in its downwardmostposition (see FIG. 19, position C), the faucet assembly 21 dispensescold filtered water only.

When the lever arm 51 outer end is raised upward so as to rest justabove its soft barrier (see FIG. 19, position A), the faucet assembly 21is turned off.

When the lever arm 51 outer end is raised further upwards along avertical arcuate path, the tap water flow rate through spout arm 53increases to a maximum (or full flow capacity) where the lever arm 51outer end reaches its uppermost position (see FIG. 19, position B), hereequal amounts of hot and cold tap water are being mixed together in anddispensed from faucet assembly 21. At full flow capacity, the lever arm51 is at its maximum vertical inclination angle with the lever arm 51outer end being approximately at its uppermost 0° position with regardto its rotational path.

When the faucet lever arm 51 is moved upwards to a location where waterflow occurs, and the lever arm 51 outer end is pivotably turned to itsmaximum left extent, only hot tap water enters and exits the faucetassembly 21.

When, correspondingly, the lever arm 51 outer end is pivotably turned toits maximum right extent, only cold tap water enters and exits thefaucet assembly 21.

The internal changes concurrently occurring within the faucet assembly21 with these movements of faucet lever arm 51 are explained below.

Vertically the valve cartridge 300 in faucet assembly 21 is locatedbetween the manifold 40 and the head chamber 43. Major components ofthis valve cartridge 300 are individually shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B and inFIGS. 12A-12H, and their relationship to each other is shown, forexample, in FIGS. 5 and 13. In general, the valve cartridge componentscan be regarded as being stacked in a pyramid-like fashion. A base orcap plate 310 is provided at the bottom end. Then follows a fixed disk320, a movable disk 330, a guide plate 340, and then a lever assembly365. A lever assembly 365 includes an inner block 350, an outer block360, and a projecting valve lever 370. These components arecooperatively engaged and encased as a functional cartridge-type unitwithin the case 380, which, as above-indicated, is mounted onto theupper end of manifold 40 with two screws 401.

At its bottom, the cartridge case 380 is closed by the cap 310 which isnestably received within the bottom opening mouth of case 380 and whichrests in contacting relationship over portions of the upper end of themanifold 40. The cap 310 has an upstanding perimeter flange 318. The cap310 is held in a fixed position in the cartridge case 380 by fouroutwardly projecting keys 311 circumferentially spaced about flange 318.Each key 311 matingly fits into a different one of four individualcutouts 381 defined in the case 380. The upper (inner) side of the cap310 has two opposed keys 312 located adjacent flange 318. Keys 312provide for a unique fit of the fixed disk 320 relative thereto.

The cap 310 has a plurality of ports 313, 314, 315 and 316 which aredefined transversely therethrough and which are each aligned and sealedwith ports 323, 324, 325 and 326, respectively, that are defined infixed disk 320. These respective port pairs are maintained in sealedengagement with each other by flat (that is, cross-sectionallyrectangular) O-rings 393, 394, 395, and 396 which line the walls ofrespective ports 313, 314, 315, and 316 in cap 310. Since these O-ringsare each slightly wider than the thickness of cap 310, the top edgeportions of each of these O-rings also fit into respective seats definedaround each of the ports 323, 324, 325, and 326 in the fixed disk 320(see FIG. 12C). The bottom edge portions of each of these O-ringsprovide a seal around, and in, seats provided about each respective port141, 142, 143 and 144 respectively, on the upper end face of manifold 40(see FIG. 7). Thus, cold water input pipe 24 is axially aligned withinput ports 314 and 324 (and also with opening 291, channel 41 and port142), and hot water input pipe 25 is axially aligned with input ports315 and 325 (and also with opening 292, channel 42 and port 143).Similarly, channel 44 (leading to filter assembly 22 from valve assembly21; see FIG. 6) is axially aligned with exit ports 313 and 323 (and alsowith opening 294 and port 141). Exit ports 326 and 316 are axiallyaligned with a conventional diverter 403 (and also with opening 293,port 144 and pipe 26), which sits in tap hole 402 in manifold 40.Diverter 403 diverts the incoming water either toward the tap waterspout 56 via channel 82 and duct 64, or to the conventional water spraysubassembly 140 via sprayer pipe 26. Diverter 403 is well known to theprior art.

The movable disk member 330 is slidably movable relative to the fixeddisk member 320 and disk 330 is positioned above, and in directinterfacial contact with, fixed disk 320. Both disks 330 and 320 arepreferably comprised of ceramic material. On the bottom side of the adisk 330 (see FIG. 120) which contacts the top side of disk 320 twocavities 333 and 334, respectively, are defined. Cavity 334 serves as amixing and connecting chamber, and, depending upon the position of disk330, connects exit port 326 on fixed disk 320 with either or both inputports 325 and 324 on the disk 320, for the purpose of admitting eitherhot, cold, or admixed hot and cold tap water to the spout 56. Cavity 333serves to connect input port 324 with exit port 323, which serves toroute (divert) cold tap water to the filter assembly 22. Thus, the cap310, fixed disk 320, and the movable disk 330 contain all channels forwater flow and are the only components of the valve cartridge 300 thatare in direct contact with water. The disks 320 and 330 are sealedtogether by pressure which is exerted on them by other valve cartridge300 components when the assembled valve cartridge 300 is connected tothe manifold 40 by the two screws 401.

Movement of disk 330 by lever arm 51 is mediated by a lever assembly365, which as above-indicated, includes the outer block 360, the innerblock 350, and the lever 370. Lever 370 is connected at its top ordistal end to the proximal end of lever arm 51, and at its bottom orproximal end to movable disk 330, as described below. The inner block350 has an upstanding peripheral lip flange 351 which fits snugly butslidably into a circular downwardly extending seat flange 382 in theunderside of the shelf or top face 384 of case 380. Most of the body ofinner block 350 protrudes through the lever assembly hole 383 in case380. The outer block 360 slides over the upper face of the inner block350, and makes contact on its bottom face with the top side of shelf384. Thus, the lever assembly 365 contacts the shelf 384 on either sidethereof freely and movably, and so assembly 365 can rotate inside thehole 383. This movability permits the rotational path of lever arm 51 tobe achieved. This path in the present embodiment is an arcuate path ofabout 150 degrees, as below described.

The lever 370 is mounted through the cutout 353 in the inner block 350.Lever 370 is held in position by a retainer pin 371, which also firmlyconnects the outer block 360 and the inner block 350 through horizontalpin cavities 372, 362, and 352 respectively. This pin connection allowsfor a pivoting movement of the lever 370. Thus, the vertical up and downmovement of the lever arm 51 is achieved yet this movement is arrestedon either side when one of the wings 368 of the lever 370 contacts thebottom of one of an opposing pair of cutouts or slots 363 in the outerblock 360. These arrest positions provide the firm barriers to thelimits of vertical movement of the lever arm 51. A soft arrest positionis provided on one side (see FIG. 13), where one of the two opposedlever wings 368 contacts both spring biased ball plungers 373 which aremounted on opposing sides of the outer block 360.

The bottom end of lever 370 is attached to movable disk 330 in a mannerthat allows transfer of all vertical and rotational (lateral andpivotal) motions from the lever arm 51 to the movable disk 330. Toachieve this attachment, the bottom end of lever 370 is sphericallyshaped and fits into the spherical lever cavity 335 defined on the topside of movable disk 330 (see FIG. 11). However, because the movabledisk 330 is preferably comprised of ceramic material, while the lever370, the underside of the shelf 384, and also the inner block 350 areeach preferably comprised of plastic material, a direct contact betweenthese plastic and ceramic components would tend to result in relativelyrapid wear. Preferably, such a wearing is prevented by covering theceramic movable disk 330 with the guide plate 340, which generally has ashape that is similar to that of the top side of the movable disk 330and which is comprised of plastic material. The guide plate 340 hasintegrally formed therein a cup-shaped cavity 341 which engages andcovers the inside surfaces of the lever cavity 335 (see FIG. 13, forexample) and which permits the bottom end of lever 370 to extendthereinto and freely rotate therein. Guide plate 340 has a nose portion342 with a peripheral down-turned flange 343 (see FIGS. 11B and 12E). Anose portion 336 is defined integrally on the upper surface of movabledisk 330. The nose portion 342 is adapted to overlie the nose portion336 and the flange 343 is adapted to extend peripherally around thesides of nose portion 336, thereby to provide a cover for nose 336. Therespective dimensions of the guide plate 340, its flange 343 and itscavity 341 are such that the guide plate 340 has no movement (or slack)relative to disk 330 when the guide plate 340 is nestably engaged overthe movable disk 330.

Nose 336, clad with cover 342, fits into a guide cavity 386 which isprovided on the underside of shelf 384 of case 380 (see, for example,FIG. 13). Shelf 384 has opposed internal side walls that are defined bya pair of laterally spaced upstanding guide ribs 385, integrally formedon shelf 384 (see, for example, FIG. 12B). As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14Bfor example, when the faucet assembly 21 is in its valve closedposition, nose 336 is positioned so that approximately 50% thereof islocated in the thus defined guide cavity 386. At this position, both ofthe hot and the cold tap water input ports 325 and 324, respectively, indisk 320 are sealed by movable disk 330, so no water flow occurs throughcartridge 300.

Arcuate lifting and pivoting of the distal end of lever arm 51vertically (toward the back of the faucet assembly 21) results insliding movement of movable disk 330, clad with guide plate 340, towardthe front of the faucet assembly 21, whereby the nose 336 moves overdisk 320 toward the open end of guide cavity 386, until it arrests(stops) just before it reaches the end of the cavity 386, nevercompletely leaving it. In this position, mixing chamber or cavity 334defined in the movable disk 330 overlaps and thereby interconnects bothof the hot and the cold water input ports 325 and 324 with the exit port326 of disk 320, thereby achieving full admixed tap water flow, whilesimultaneously sealing exit port 323 of disk 320 (see FIGS. 16A and16B).

By moving toward the open end of guide cavity 386, the movable disk 330achieves more and more lateral flexibility, i.e. movability toward leftor right, relative to fixed disk 320 which provides for sliding movementof movable disk 330 in two directions relative to fixed disk 320. FIGS.17A and 17B show the position of movable disk 330 for full unfilteredcold water flow only, whereby mixing chamber or cavity 334 overlaps andthereby interconnects cold tap water input port 324 with tap water exitport 326, while simultaneously sealing tap water exit port 323 and hottap water input port 325.

FIGS. 18A and 18B show the position of movable disk 330 for full hot tapwater flow only, whereby mixing chamber or cavity 334 overlaps andthereby interconnects hot tap water input port 325 tap water with exitport 326, while simultaneously sealing filtered water exit port 323 andcold tap water input port 324.

Movement of movable disk 330 toward the closed end of guide cavity 386progressively reduces the lateral slidability of movable disk 330. Thus,by the time that the nose 336 has entered about 50% of the guide cavity386, no lateral (left to right or vice versa) sliding movement thereofis possible (see FIGS. 14A and 14B). At this position, the valve lever370 has reached its soft arrest position (no water flow), as indicatedabove. Sliding movement of movable disk 330 beyond this position isachieved through manual depression of the distal end of the lever arm 51further downward, and this movement produces movement of nose 336 towardthe closed end of guide cavity 386 (see FIGS. 15A and 15B). Thismovement results in the diverting of cold tap water only because lateralsliding movement of disk 330 is prohibited by the ribs 385 and suchdiverted tap water flows in pipe 63 from faucet assembly 21 to thefilter assembly 22. The water diverting cavity 333 overlaps and therebyinterconnects the cold water input port 324 with the exit port 323.

Referring to FIG. 19, there is shown position A for faucet lever arm 51when the valve in cartridge 300 is in the valve off position, position Bfor faucet lever 51 when the valve in cartridge 300 is in the valve onposition with full flow of hot and cold tap water to produce a mixtureof unfiltered tap waters, and position C for faucet lever 51 when thevalve in cartridge 300 is in the valve on position with full flow ofonly cold tap water for diversion in water filtration.

The interrelationship between the components including the lever arm 51,the spout arm 53, the head chamber 43, the manifold 40, and thecomponents of valve cartridge 300 (specifically, the disks 330 and 320),is such that the following water flow settings through the spout arm 53can each be independently and separately achieved by positioning thedistal end portion of the lever arm 51:

(1) No water flows from the spout arm 53;

(2) Only hot tap water flows from the spout arm 53;

(3) only cold tap water flows from the spout arm 53;

(4) Only a mixture of hot and cold tap water flows from the spout arm53, the water flow volume and the mixture ratio of hot to cold tap waterbeing exteriorly regulatable by the spatial position of the lever arm 51distal end portion; and

(5) Only initially cold but interveningly diverted and returnedprocessed water flows from the spout arm 53, the water flow volume beingexteriorly regulatable by the spatial position of the lever arm 51distal end portion.

When, in the operation of the filter faucet combination 20, cold tapwater is being filtered, cold tap water enters the valve cartridge 300from channel 24 only. Tap water is routed from cartridge 300 throughchannel 44 and pipe 69 and passes to the filter assembly 22 forfiltering (as is below described).

After filtration in filter assembly 22, filtered water flows backthrough pipe 87 to the manifold 40 and moves from there through channel65 to spout 67. Although various arrangements are possible, it is nowpreferred to have the filter return conduit pathway always open; thisarrangement is preferred because it prevents the build up of waterpressure in the filter assembly 22 when water is not being processedthrough it. Thus, for example, water will not spurt out of the filterassembly 22 when the cover 77 is removed for filter cartridge 73replacement.

Since, in a contemporary kitchen sink, a faucet-associated spray hose iscommonly and conventionally located on the right side of the faucet, inthe preferred practice of the present invention, the filter assembly 22is preferably located on the left side of the faucet assembly 21 asprovided in the combination 20. However, various positions and locationscan be employed for a filter assembly 22 of this invention and for aspray hose, as those skilled in the art will readily appreciate.

Here, the filter assembly 22 incorporates a filter housing 71 that is,preferably and as shown, axially cylindrical, elongated and adapted toreceive through the upper end thereof a selected filter cartridge 73which can be conventional, if desired, but which is adapted for seatingcooperatively in the housing 71 in a functional position. Thus, as isfurther explained below, in assembly 22, when the upper end mouth 72 ofthe housing 71 is sealingly closed by a removable cover or cap 77, waterentering the housing 71 at the entry port 74 from the channel 69 passesbetween the filter cartridge 73 and the wall of the housing structure 71to enter the filter cartridge 73 from its bottom. After passing throughthe filter cartridge 73, the filtered water then leaves the cartridge 73and the housing 71 through the exit port 75 into return pipe 87. Asthose skilled in the art will readily appreciate, if desired, the waterflow through the filter cartridge could be reversed by connecting pipe87 to the port 74, and the pipe 69 to the port 75. The removable accesscover or cap 77 is threadably and sealingly engagable with a threadedtop lip portion about the mouth 72 of the housing 71 as below described.

In the preferred combination 20, the filter assembly 22 has its housing71 and cap 77 preferably comprised of plastic, but these components canbe formed of metal, if desired. The housing 71 is preferablyperpendicularly oriented and configured to protrude downwards through,and to be directly or indirectly suspended from, the rear deck 34 of asink such as sink 36, so as to be typically behind a sink 36 bowl orbasin compartment 76 (see FIG. 1). Preferably, housing 71 extendsthrough a preformed standard hole 37 in deck 34. Servicing andreplacement of a filter cartridge 73 is conveniently accomplished bymanually removing the cover 77. Conveniently, the outer circumferentialportions of cover 77 are ribbed, knurled or the like to provide aconvenient and hand-grippable surface for easy manual removal andtightening.

The upper portion of the housing 71, which is located above sink deck34, is preferably widened relative to the lower portion of the housing71 by means of a circumferentially extending shoulder 104 formed inhousing 71. This shoulder 104 fits through and seats in a taperedopening of a shroud gasket 155 at the bottom of a shroud 18 of thecommon housing structure 19 (for example, see FIG. 21). The lowerportion of the housing 71 preferably has a diameter which fits through astandard opening 37 commonly provided in the back deck of a sink 34. Atits bottom end, the housing 71 is closed by an end wall 97. Housing 71defines therein a filter cartridge-receiving cavity 101, with preferablya wider interior upper portion 137 existing in the upper portion ofhousing 71. Various configurations and structures can be employed for ahousing 71 and a cap 77.

Here, the cap or cover 77 has an axially extending perimeter flange 102which is interiorly circumferentially threaded for disengagableengagement with the externally circumferentially threaded lip portion 99of mouth 72 of housing 71. Like housing 71, cap 77 is preferablycomprised of one piece, molded plastic construction. Radially inset fromthe perimeter flange 102 a sealing flange 103 is preferably providedwhich is generally in spaced, parallel relationship to flange 102. Thisflange 103 contains a circumferential groove 110 which seats O-ring 109.The upper inside surface of the lip portion 99 is slightly tapered in afunnel-like configuration. This configuration provides for a sealingengagement between this tapered surface and the O-ring 109. Thus,sealing means is provided between the cap 77 and the lip portions 99 forsealingly associating the cap 77 with the housing 71 when the cap 77 issubstantially fully engaged with the housing 71.

The inventive filter cartridge 73 which is here employed iscooperatively associatable with the filter assembly 22 yet isconveniently conventional in internal construction (that is, the filtermedium is preferably conventional). Cartridge 73 has a housing 111 thatis preferentially comprised of a molded plastic and is preferentiallyconfigured to have external surface portions that align with internalsurface portions of the housing 71 and cap 77. Thus, the housing 111 hasa lower body portion 112 and an upper body portion 113 which areseparated from one another externally by a circumferentially outwardlyextending ridge 79 around which an O-ring 80 is seated in a groove. Theridge 79 is positioned such that the O-ring 80 makes circumferentially asealing contact with side wall 98 of housing 71 at an axial locationbetween the entry port 74 and the exit port 75 of housing 71. Thislocation is such that the housing 71 and the housing 111 coact toprovide two separate chambers within the filter assembly 22, identifiedas upper chamber 136 and lower chamber 137.

Below the ridge 79 the housing 111 has a plurality of circumferentiallyspaced, radially outwardly extending spoke-like protrusions 105 whichcircumferentially extend about housing 111 and which make contact withinterior surface portions of shoulder 104 of housing 71. Thus, when thehousing 111 is fully extended into and engaged with the housing 71, thecartridge 73 is seated in place between the underside of the sealingflange 103 of cap 77 and the shoulder 104 of housing 71, with the O-ring80 being positioned as desired between ports 74 and 75.

At the lower end of the housing 111 cartridge 73 is provided with aplurality of input orifices 139. Circumferentially spaced about theupper end of housing 111 adjacent to the housing head plate 114 are aplurality of output orifices 138. The upper face of the head plate 114is provided with a recessed, diametrically extending crossbar 115 thatis adapted for engaging a fork tine or the like that is extended intothe adjacent recess (thereby to aid the user in removing a filtercartridge 73 from housing 71).

The interrelationship between the fully engaged filter cartridge 73 andthe housing 71 is such that the opposed lower end and upper end of bodyportions 112 and 113, respectively, of the cartridge housing 111 aregenerally in radially spaced, adjacent relationship to adjacent insidesurface portions of the filter assembly housing 71. This spacing definesthe lower chamber 137 and the upper chamber 136, respectively.

Thus, tap water being filtered enters from entry port 74, fills thelower chamber 137, enters the lower end of the cartridge 73 throughorifices 139, and passes upwardly through cartridge 73 and is therebyfiltered. The filtered water exits through orifices 138, fills the upperchamber 136 and exits the filter assembly through port 75. As thoseskilled in the art will readily appreciate, various alternativecooperative arrangements between a filter cartridge housing 111 and afilter assembly housing 71 can be utilized, if desired.

A conventional water spray subassembly 140 is conveniently andpreferably associated with the faucet assembly 21. The assembly 140includes a conventional spray hose 152 that is attached to the threadedend of a sprayer adapter 30 preferably with a conventional nut 32. Thevalved nozzle (not detailed) associated with the distal end of the sprayhose 152, when open, dispenses water received from diverter 403 throughthe sprayer pipe 26.

Conveniently, and, if desired, the combination 20 and its associatedcomponents, including the faucet assembly 21, the valve cartridge 300,the common housing structure 19, the filter assembly 22 including thefilter housing 71, and a filter cartridge 73 can be assembled and soldas a complete unit ready for installation at a kitchen sink.

Alternative embodiments of a combination of filter assembly 22 andfaucet assembly 21 are shown in FIGS. 27 to 32. In these FIGS. 27-32,respective components which are like or are similar to those in thefilter faucet combination 20 are similarly numbered but with theaddition of prime marks for identification purposes.

A filter faucet combination embodiment 160 of this invention is shown inFIG. 27, where the filter assembly 159 has a threaded cap 161 which isfunctionally and sealingly associated with a spout arm 162. When thefaucet assembly 21′ is set for cold tap water diverting, and thediverted cold water is filtered through filter assembly 159, thefiltered water issues from the terminal spout 164 of spout arm 162through a channel in cap 161. Those skilled in the art will readilyappreciate the minor modifications required in manifold 40, commonhousing structure 19 and in filter assembly 22 compared to combination20 to accommodate the present filtered water flow path.

Referring to FIG. 28, there is seen a filter faucet combination 200which incorporates a conventional kitchen-type faucet assembly 201partially schematically shown that comprises a hand adjusted hot watervalve 202, a hand adjusted cold water valve 203, a pivotable spout arm204 having a terminal spout 206, and an interconnecting housing 207 withhot and cold tap water delivery conduits 208 and 209, respectively,connected to spout arm 204. A hot tap water supply line 215 is providedfor valve 202 and a cold tap water supply line 216 is provided for valve203.

The combination 200 also incorporates a filter assembly 22′ which issimilar to filter assembly 22 (detailed in FIG. 21) and which is herefunctionally associated with a conventional faucet 211 that is equippedwith a conventional hand-actuated control arm 212 and a conventionalspout 213. The filter assembly 22′ is connected to a bottom-fed cold tapwater supply line 214 which is T-connected to the main cold water supplyline 216. Conveniently, line 214 is provided with a shut-off valve 217.However, valve 217 is normally always open so that the filter assembly22′ is always under line pressure. Valve 217 is closed when the coldwater supply is to be shut-off for a filter cartridge change in filterassembly 22′. Flow of filtered water from filter assembly 22′ throughconduit 87′ to faucet 211 is regulated by conventional operation offaucet 211. Although as shown in FIG. 28, the filter assembly 22′ isprovided with a shroud 217 that is separate from the shroud 218 offaucet assembly 201, the faucet assembly 201 and the filter assembly 22′may have a common shroud (not detailed), if desired, as those skilled inthe art will readily appreciate. The shrouds each rest on the back deck219 of a sink (fragmentarily shown). The outer surface of filter housing98′ is provided with circumferential threads 205 below its shoulderportion 104′ for threadable engagement with retainer nut assembly 210.Tightening of retainer nut assembly 210 secures the shoulder 104′against back deck 219, and thereby securely fastens filter assembly 22′,shroud 217, and faucet 211 to the sink.

Referring to FIG. 29, there is seen a filter faucet combination 220which incorporates a conventional water mixing kitchen-type faucetassembly 221 partially schematically shown that comprises a conventionalhand-adjusted hot water valve 222, a conventional hand-adjusted coldwater valve 223, and an interconnecting body 224. The conventionalsingle channel spout arm has been replaced by a spout arm 226 which hastwo separated longitudinally extending channels 227 and 228 definedtherein with each channel having a terminal spout 229 and 231,respectively. Body 224 includes therein a conventional channel 232interconnecting hot water valve 222 with channel 227, and a conventionalchannel 233 interconnecting cold water valve 223 with channel 227. A hottap water supply line 234 is connected to valve 222 and a cold tap watersupply line 236 is connected to valve 223.

The combination 220 also incorporates a filter assembly 22′ which issimilar to filter assembly 22 except that the cold water input andfiltered water output being reversed from that shown in assembly 22. Acold water input line 237 for filter assembly 22′ is T-connected to line236. Line 237 is here provided with a conventional shut-off valve 238 (aconventional cold water valve). An output line 239 from filter assembly22′ connects with channel 228 in the spout arm 226. All conduits arepreferably (and as shown) housed in a shroud 241 that includes both thefaucet assembly 221 and the filter assembly 22′ and that rests on theback deck 242 of a sink (not detailed). Cold filtered water from spout231 is produced by opening valve 238. Here, the filter assembly 22′ isonly under line pressure when in use. All plumbing for filtration ishere located in the shroud and may be considered to be part of thefilter faucet combination 220. Conventional hot and cold tap waterconnections are utilized. In place of spout arm 226, a conventionalsingle channel spout arm can be used.

Referring to FIG. 30, there is seen a filter faucet combination 250which incorporates a conventional type of single lever kitchen-typefaucet assembly 251 which has been modified. The single leverconventional faucet valve 252 (not detailed) of the faucet assembly 251is connected to a hot tap water supply line 253 and to a cold tap watersupply line 254. The conventional single channel spout arm has beenreplaced by a dual channel spout arm 256 having two separatedlongitudinally extending channels 257 and 258 defined therein with eachchannel having a terminal spout 259 and 261, respectively. Channel 257receives the user-selected effluent (hot water, cold water or mixed)admitted thereto from the valve 252.

The combination 250 also incorporates a filter assembly 22′ that issimilar to assembly 22 with the cold water input and filtered wateroutput being as shown in assembly 22. A cold water input line 262/263for filter assembly 22′ is T-connected to line 254. Between lineportions 262 and 263, a shut-off valve 264 (a conventional cold watervalve) is interconnected. An output line 266 from filter assembly 22′connects with channel 258 in spout arm 256. All conduits are housed in asingle shroud 267 that includes both the faucet assembly 251 and thefilter assembly 22′ and that rests on the back deck 268 of a sink (notdetailed). Cold filtered water from spout 261 is produced by openingvalve 264. Here, filter 22′ is only under line pressure when in use. Asin the embodiment 220, in this embodiment 250, all plumbing forfiltration is in the shroud 267 and may be considered to be part of thefilter faucet combination 250. Conventional hot and cold tap waterconnections are utilized. In place of spout arm 256, a conventionalsingle channel spout arm can be used, whereby lines 257 and 258 arejoined, terminating in a single spout.

Referring to FIG. 31, there is filter faucet combination 270 which issimilar to filter faucet combination 20, except that it is equipped withtwo separate valves for regulating hot, cold, admixed hot and cold, andfiltered water flow. Combination 270 incorporates a conventional kitchentype faucet assembly 271 that comprises a hand adjusted hot water valve272, a hand adjusted cold water valve 273, a pivotable spout arm 274,and an interconnecting enveloping shroud 276 which extends around andover hot water connecting conduit 277 from valve 272 to spout arm 274and cold water connecting conduit 278 from valve 273 to spout arm 274.Spout arm 274 has two separated longitudinally extending channels 280and 279 defined therein with each channel having a terminal spout 281and 286, respectively. The conduits 277 and 278 each connect withchannel 280. Conventional hot tap water supply line 283 connects withvalve 272 and conventional cold tap water supply line 284 connects withvalve 273.

The combination 270 also incorporates a filter assembly 22′ that issimilar to filter assembly 22 (detailed in FIG. 21) except that the coldwater input and filtered water output being reversed from that shown inassembly 22.

Here the cold water valve 273 contains a conventional two-way valve (notdetailed), which regulates the flow of the incoming cold water anddiverts it into one of two possible paths. When this valve is turned tothe filtered water position, then the cold water from line 284 isdiverted to input line 69′ for the filter assembly 22′. Filtered wateroutput from filter assembly 22′ feeds into line 87′, and from there toline 279 and spout 286. Such a valve, for example could be similar tothe cartridge 300 in FIGS. 11 and 12, but without the hot water input.Other valves that can regulate and divert water from one source into oneof two channels are well known to the art. Combination 270 can, ifdesired, utilize a single channel spout arm.

Referring to FIG. 32, there is faucet and filter combination 290 whichis similar to combination 270 in FIG. 31. All water line connections andvalves are as in combination 270 and are labeled similarly but with theaddition of prime marks.

The main difference between combination 290 and 270 is the location ofthe filter assembly 22″ which itself is similar to assembly 22 (detailedin FIG. 21), except that the input line 285′ enters the upper port whilethe output exits through the filter end wall 97′.

The filter assembly 22″ is located completely above sink deck 242′ andpositioned so as to extend longitudinally and laterally entirely withinthe shroud 276′, with only the removable cap 287 being exposed andoperably positioned at one end of shroud 276′. This combination can, ifdesired, utilize a single lever valve and/or a single channel spout arm.

It will be understood that the invention can be embodied in otherspecific forms without departing from the spirit, scope and essentialcharacteristics thereof. The present teachings are illustrative and notrestrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appendedclaims rather than by the preceding description.

What is claimed is:
 1. A filter cartridge for positioning in a prechosencasing structure, said filter cartridge comprising: an housing havingelongated side walls and opposite front and back end walls and havingorifices defined therein in the vicinity of each of said end walls;sealing means locally extending continuously and circumferentially aboutan outside portion of said side walls in longitudinally adjacent butspaced relationship to said front end wall; a plurality of spacerprojections locally extending outwardly from outside portions of saidside walls; and filtration material in said housing; whereby, when saidcartridge is fully located in said casing structure, said spacerprojections maintain said housing in generally spaced relationshiprelative to adjacent internal surface portions of said casing structure,and said sealing means is engaged with adjacent internal surfaceportions of said casino structure, so that a space is generally definedbetween said outside portions of said side walls and said internalsurface portions of said casino structure, and said space is dividedinto two longitudinally adjacent but separate cavities with a differentone of said end walls being in each said cavity.
 2. The filter cartridgeof claim 1 wherein said side walls are generally cross-sectionallycircular.
 3. The filter cartridge of claim 1 wherein said side walls inthe region thereof adjacent to said front end wall are radially enlargedand a circumferentally extending shoulder is defined in said side wallsbetween said radially enlarged region and adjacent portions of said sidewalls.
 4. The filter cartridge of claim 3 wherein said sealing means islocated adjacent to said shoulder and said orifices that are in saidvicinity of said front wall are located in said side walls between saidfront wall and said sealing means.
 5. The filter cartridge of claim 4wherein said spacer projections are located on said side walls incircumferentially spaced, adjacent relationship to each other at alocation in longitudinally rearwardly spaced relationship relative tosaid shoulder.
 6. The filter cartridge of claim 5 wherein said frontwall has an exterior surface portion with crossbar means for associationwith filter cartridge extraction means whereby removal of said filtercartridge from location in said casing structure can be facilitated. 7.A filter assembly case for mounting in a receiving aperture defined in asink back deck, and for holding therein a filter cartridge, said filterassembly case comprising in combination: a case housing having anelongated side wall, a lower end, and an opposed upper end having amouth defined therein; said side wall adjacent to said upper end wallbeing radially enlarged and said side wall having a circumferentally andoutwardly extending shoulder defined between said radially enlargedregion and adjacent rearward portions of said side wall; case end capmeans for closing said mouth including means for detachably connectingsaid end cap means with mouth adjacent portions of said side wall andalso including means for sealing said end cap means relative to saidmouth adjacent portions of said side wall when said end cap means is soconnected to said mouth adjacent side wall portions by said means fordetachably connecting; said end cap means being longitudinally spacedfrom said shoulder when said end cap means is so connected to said mouthadjacent side wall portions; and input and output fluid port meansdefined in said radially enlarged region, said input and output fluidport means being longitudinally spaced from one another and locatedbetween said shoulder and said end cap means as so connected to saidmouth adjacent side wall portions; whereby said lower end and adjacentrearward side wall portions of said case housing are extendable througha receiving aperture defined in a sink back deck to a location wheresaid shoulder is retainable by portions of said sink back deck that areadjacent to said receiving aperture and where said input and outputfluid port means and said end cap means as so connected to said mouthare above said sink back deck.
 8. The filter assembly case of claim 7wherein said side wall is generally cross-sectionally circular.
 9. Thefilter assembly case of claim 7 wherein said end cap means includesouter circumferential portions that are adapted to overlie said mouthadjacent portions of said side wall.
 10. The filter assembly case ofclaim 7 wherein said radially enlarged region includes a longitudinalspacing that is located between the uppermost respective one of saidinput and output fluid port means and said end cap means as so connectedto said mouth adjacent portions of said side wall whereby said radiallyenlarged region in said longitudinal spacing is associatable with ashroud that extends around said radially enlarged region and throughwhich said end cap means as so connected to said mouth adjacent portionsof said side wall is extendable.
 11. The filter assembly case of claim 7wherein said means for detachably connecting said end cap means withsaid mouth adjacent portions of said side wall comprises matinglyengagable screw thread means associated with each of said mouth adjacentportions of said side wall and outer circumferential portions of saidend cap means.
 12. The filter assembly case of claim 7 wherein said endcap further includes a central internal block portion that is sized toadjoin a filter cartridge front wall portion when such a filtercartridge is located in said case and when said end cap is so connectedto said mouth adjacent portions of said case side wall.
 13. A filterassembly for mounting through a receiving aperture defined in a sinkback deck, said assembly comprising in combination a case and a coactingfilter cartridge receivable within said case; said case comprising acase housing having an elongated case side wall, a case lower end walland an opposed case upper end having a mouth defined therein; said caseside wall adjacent to said upper end wall defining a radially enlargedregion and said case side wall between said radially enlarged region andadjacent rearward case side wall portions defining a circumferentallyand outwardly extending shoulder; case end cap means for closing saidmouth and including means for detachably connecting said end cap meanswith mouth adjacent portions of said case side wall and also includingmeans for sealing said end cap means relative to said mouth adjacentportions of said case side wall when said end cap means is so connectedto said mouth adjacent case side wall portions by said means fordetachably associating, said end cap means being longitudinally spacedfrom said shoulder when said end cap means is so connected to said mouthadjacent case side wall portions; and input and output fluid port meansdefined in said radially enlarged region, said input and output fluidport means being longitudinally spaced from one another and locatedbetween said shoulder and said end cap means as so connected to saidmouth adjacent case side wall portions; whereby said lower end wall andadjacent rearward side wall portions of said case housing are extendablethrough a receiving aperture defined in a sink back deck to a locationwhere said shoulder is retainable by portions of said sink back deckthat are adjacent to said receiving aperture and where said input andoutput fluid port means and said end cap means as so connected to saidmouth are above said sink back deck; and said filter cartridgecomprising a filter cartridge housing having elongated cartridge sidewalls and opposite front and back cartridge end walls and havingorifices defined therein in the vicinity of each of said cartridge endwalls; sealing means locally extending continuously andcircumferentially about an outside portion of said cartridge side wallsin longitudinally adjacent but spaced relationship to said cartridgefront end wall; a plurality of spacer projections locally extendingoutwardly from spaced apart outside portions of said cartridge sidewalls; and filtration material in said cartridge housing; theinterrelationship between said case and said filter cartridge being suchthat, when said cartridge is fully located in said case: (a) said spacerprojections maintain said filter cartridge housing in generally spacedrelationship relative to adjacent internal surface portions of saidcasing housing, and (b) said sealing means is engaged with adjacentinternal surface portions of said casing housing at a location thatcircumferentially extends about said filter cartridge housing and thatexists between said input port means and said output port means so thata space is generally defined between portions of said filter cartridgehousing and said case housing, and said space is divided into twolongitudinally adjacent but separate cavities with a different one ofsaid filter cartridge end walls being in each said cavity and with adifferent one of said case fluid port means being in each said cavity;whereby, when said filter cartridge is fully located in said case andsaid end cap means is so connected to said mouth adjacent case side wallportions, fluid entering said casing through one of said input andoutput port means moves through one of said cavities, enters said filtercartridge through said orifices defined in the vicinity of one of saidcartridge housing end walls, moves longitudinally through said filtercartridge, exits said filter cartridge through said orifices defined inthe vicinity of the opposite one of said cartridge housing end walls,moves through the other one of said cavities, and exits said casethrough the other one of said input and output port means.
 14. Thefilter assembly of claim 13 wherein said case side wall and saidcartridge side walls are each generally cross-sectionally circular. 15.The filter assembly of claim 13 wherein said case end cap means includesouter circumferential portions that are adapted to overlie said mouthadjacent portions of said case side wall.
 16. The filter assembly ofclaim 13 wherein, in said case, said radially enlarged region includes alongitudinal spacing located between the uppermost respective one ofsaid input and output fluid port means and said end cap means as soconnected to said mouth adjacent portions of said side wall whereby saidradially enlarged region in said longitudinal spacing is associatablewith a shroud that extends around said radially enlarged region andthrough which said end cap means as so connected to said mouth adjacentportions of said case side wall is extendable.
 17. The filter assemblyclaim 13 wherein said means for detachably connecting said end cap meanswith said mouth adjacent portions of said case side wall comprisesmatingly engagable screw thread means associated with each of said mouthadjacent portions of said case side wall and outer circumferentialportions of said end cap means.
 18. The filter assembly claim 13 whereinsaid case end cap means further includes a central internal blockportion that is sized to adjoin a filter cartridge front wall portionwhen such a filter cartridge is located in said case and when said endcap means is so connected to said mouth adjacent portions of said caseside wall.
 19. The filter assembly of claim 13 wherein said cartridgeside walls in the region thereof adjacent to said cartridge front endwall are radially enlarged and a circumferentally extending shoulder isdefined in said cartridge side walls between said cartridge radiallyenlarged region and adjacent portions of said cartridge side walls. 20.The filter assembly of claim 19 wherein said sealing means is locatedadjacent to said cartridge shoulder and said orifices that are in saidvicinity of said cartridge front wall are located in said cartridge sidewalls between said cartridge front wall and said sealing means.
 21. Thefilter assembly of claim 19 wherein said spacer projections are locatedon said cartridge side walls in circumferentially spaced, adjacentrelationship to each other at a location in longitudinally rearwardlyspaced relationship relative to said cartridge shoulder that is also inradially adjacent relationship relative to said casing shoulder.
 22. Thefilter assembly of claim 19 wherein said cartridge front wall has anexterior surface portion with crossbar means for association with afilter cartridge extraction means whereby removal of said filtercartridge from location in said case can be facilitated.